Las Cruces Sun-News - Two pregnant 16-year-olds in spotlight

Young Mom wrote:

Okay well heres my little bit of insight. I had a baby when I was 16. I also got married then too. Im going to say I have raised a wonderful teenager. But It is mostly due to the fact that I have a loving supportive husband and family. I learned as I went along and my son has turned out to be more wonderful that I ever imagined. Now heres the thing my husband always worked so that we could have a nice home and never had to ask for help from anyone. It was hard at times but we Loved each other and never forgot that. I feel that I am lucky and defenitly and exception. We knew what we wanted for our children and beleive me it was hard getting to where we are. But we are here alright. Looking back could I have been a better mother than I was a 16? I think so. I think I know so. Should I have waited? yes. Do I regeret it? No. I have a wonderful life with a husband I adore. But when you 16 you are so young. I dont even think you have had time to realize what life is all about and what is out there. Now I have seen the product of teen mothers that are not ready to have a baby and to step up and put a child first for the rest of their lives and it scares me. Its a cycle that must be broken. These children are going to live on welfare and learn that welfare it always going to be there. Its going to keep going on. Where does it end? I feel lucky everyday that my life has turned out so well. It could have been otherwise. Lord only knows we had enough stikes against us. I dont mean to sound jugdemental. I just know what these girls are facing. How hard it is. And they have not a clue. Or even care.

I am so glad you shared this. You and your husband are definitely the exception to the rule. Good job, you two.

If we don't support the idea that teenagers should bear children, who is going to take the minimum-wage cashier jobs around here? Who is going to flip the burgers? Our society counts on there being an underclass, and as long as people voluntarily put themselves into that position: uneducated, poor, living twelve-to-a-trailer, more power to them. We shouldn't criticize them just because they lack the brains, ambition or culture to be anything else.

Judas wrote:

If we don't support the idea that teenagers should bear children, who is going to take the minimum-wage cashier jobs around here? Who is going to flip the burgers? Our society counts on there being an underclass, and as long as people voluntarily put themselves into that position: uneducated, poor, living twelve-to-a-trailer, more power to them. We shouldn't criticize them just because they lack the brains, ambition or culture to be anything else.

Yes, the American society depends on an underclass. But that doesn't mean those jobs have to go to pay for teenagers who are having babies. Also, the underclass can be fluid and still be effective.

Young Mom wrote:

Okay well heres my little bit of insight. I had a baby when I was 16. I also got married then too. Im going to say I have raised a wonderful teenager. But It is mostly due to the fact that I have a loving supportive husband and family. I learned as I went along and my son has turned out to be more wonderful that I ever imagined. Now heres the thing my husband always worked so that we could have a nice home and never had to ask for help from anyone. It was hard at times but we Loved each other and never forgot that. I feel that I am lucky and defenitly and exception. We knew what we wanted for our children and beleive me it was hard getting to where we are. But we are here alright. Looking back could I have been a better mother than I was a 16? I think so. I think I know so. Should I have waited? yes. Do I regeret it? No. I have a wonderful life with a husband I adore. But when you 16 you are so young. I dont even think you have had time to realize what life is all about and what is out there. Now I have seen the product of teen mothers that are not ready to have a baby and to step up and put a child first for the rest of their lives and it scares me. Its a cycle that must be broken. These children are going to live on welfare and learn that welfare it always going to be there. Its going to keep going on. Where does it end? I feel lucky everyday that my life has turned out so well. It could have been otherwise. Lord only knows we had enough stikes against us. I dont mean to sound jugdemental. I just know what these girls are facing. How hard it is. And they have not a clue. Or even care.

That is wonderful. You are very fortunate. Not to be nosey...but how old are you now? I would think 10 to 15 years ago it would be easier to 'make' it than it is now.

Bitner wrote:

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No children are involved in an abortion. In fact, no fetuses suffer during 98.6% of all abortions, because they are not aware of anything and are unable to feel any sensation at all, good OR bad.

I'm sorry, but how do you know that the fetuses have not suffered any pain? Have you asked a fetus if he or she felt any pain? I have read that the nervous system is formed quiet early in fetal development. By the time a girl decides to abort the baby, the baby can feel pain.

NewYC wrote:

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That is wonderful. You are very fortunate. Not to be nosey...but how old are you now? I would think 10 to 15 years ago it would be easier to 'make' it than it is now.

I am now 30 and have been married 14 years. My son is 14. Thank you for your comments. Thats one of my concerns. Its more expensive now then it was back then. I dont know what we would have done of gas cost what it does now. And it just keeps getting more expensive. Not to mention groceries.

Young Mom wrote:

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I am now 30 and have been married 14 years. My son is 14. Thank you for your comments. Thats one of my concerns. Its more expensive now then it was back then. I dont know what we would have done of gas cost what it does now. And it just keeps getting more expensive. Not to mention groceries.

And don't forget housing. I have a great job and make a lot of money but to be honest it would not be easy for me to afford the house that I am in now if I were to try to buy it. Even in this tough market.

I give a lot of credit to single Mom's. It is a very tough job. My advice to anyone under 21 is simply 'Be careful'. Sex is great...no lie. But do what you can to protect yourself (males and females). This is not just the females burden but us guys need to share it too.

Bitner wrote:

<quoted text>
No children are involved in an abortion. In fact, no fetuses suffer during 98.6% of all abortions, because they are not aware of anything and are unable to feel any sensation at all, good OR bad.

The fetus is only a potential human life.

Only through mind-numbing stupidity could someone suggest that when human sperm and human eggs unite they produce something that is only “potential human life.”
If the word “potential” is suggesting that the unborn is only potentially alive, that is easily disproved. Even in the earliest stages of pregnancy, sonograms show movements and heartbeats that do not belong to the woman. Whatever else the fetus is, it is impossible to logically argue that it is not, at least, alive.

On the other hand, for “potential” to be referring to the word human, a fetus would have to have the potential of becoming either a human being or some other form of life. Perhaps a parrot or a spider. Of course, the problem is that there is no record of such a thing having ever occurred.

So while it may be reasonable to say that a fetus is a potential major league baseball star or a potential school teacher, it is idiotic to say that a fetus is a potential human being. If for no other reason, the fetus is a living human being because that is the only thing it can be.

Also, if the issue is “development,” let’s not forget that human beings develop for their entire lives. A fetus is less developed than a newborn just as a child is less developed than an adult. But being less developed than an adult does not mean that a child is any less a human being. That’s also true of the unborn.

Pro-lifers aren’t the only ones who know that it is a baby who is killed in an abortion. At a National Abortion Federation conference in Philadelphia during September of 1994, Texas abortion clinic director, Charlotte Taft, said,“When [a pro-choice activist in the Dallas community] came into our clinic – we were inviting her to learn more about abortions – this is a quote from this woman – she said,‘If I believed that abortion was the deliberate ending of a potential human life, I could not be pro-choice.’ I said,‘It would be best for you not to see a sonogram.’”

Less than two years later, at another National Abortion Federation conference in San Francisco, a New York abortion clinic director, Merle Hoffman, stated “...I mean, we are talking about an abortion here. And uh, also that the staff is uncomfortable when a patient said,‘I think I’m killing my baby.’ So I’m comfortable with saying,‘Yes, you are, and how do you feel about that?’”

Knit, when the fetus can live outside the mother, then it is more than a potential. Until that, it relies on the mother for survival. Without medical support, a fetus isn't going to be able to survive on its own until maybe 32-33 weeks.

Fed Up wrote:

Having a baby is a huge responsibility. I don't think anyone is ever truly 'ready' to have a baby. However, the wise thing to do is at least wait until the parents are married, preferably, have job(s), have a place to live, etc. Even then, the emotional toll can wreak havoc on the best of us. To glamorize teen pregnancy is misleading our kids. It is not ok to be unwed, in your teens, and pregnant. Yes, it happens. Yes, single mothers overcome the odds from time to time. Yes, I know there are success stories out there. But, do you really want kids who can't even drive yet, let alone work, or buy a house or even vote, having babies? They aren't even finished being kids themselves. Why do we insist on shortchanging our kids out of the joys of being young and single and free to choose by saying it's ok if you get pregnant? I would rather see my daughters graduate from high school, go to college, travel, have fun before I become a grandmother. It is not cute for kids to have babies.

Actually, yes, it is, and what is more, it is NORMAL. It is time to stop fighting against nature and realize that children's bodies are telling them to breed because they are supposed to be having children at the ages of 10-16, which is the NORMAL POINT for females to start having babies.

What we need to do is start having a federal stipend for females who have babies (seeing as how they are bearing our next generation), and have federally mandated birth control for females if they truly don't want to get pregnant at young ages.

It is simply past time to simply put all females on birth control at the age of 7 so that they can be sexually active and not have to worry about getting pregnant.

Leria wrote:

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Actually, yes, it is, and what is more, it is NORMAL. It is time to stop fighting against nature and realize that children's bodies are telling them to breed because they are supposed to be having children at the ages of 10-16, which is the NORMAL POINT for females to start having babies.

So, when your 10 year old daughter comes home pregnant you are going to be all happy? Were you ten when you had kids? If so, then you would be fine with being a grandparent before you are legally old enough to buy your own beer? Sad.

Leria wrote:

<quoted text>What we need to do is start having a federal stipend for females who have babies (seeing as how they are bearing our next generation), and have federally mandated birth control for females if they truly don't want to get pregnant at young ages.

So, pay young girls to get pregnant before they are old enough to get a job and support the baby? Use tax money to fund the 'babies having babies' program? You must be a life-long member of the welfare club.

Leria wrote:

<quoted text>It is simply past time to simply put all females on birth control at the age of 7 so that they can be sexually active and not have to worry about getting pregnant.

So, don't teach children about the ups and downs of sex. Just give them birth control and let them go at each other like rabbits. Regardless of what the family may want, just put all the girls on the pill. Will this also be funded by tax dollars? What about STD's? Treatment for those funded by taxes? What about the adverse effects of being on BCP for too long? Let the girls get sick and die? Pay for their treatment and funerals with tax money?

I seriously hope you were being sarcastic. If you were, great. But if you seriously think it is 'cute' and 'normal' for girls as young as 10 to get pregnant and if you seriously think we need to pay these girls just to get pregnant, then you are sick. I want better for my daughters and for all girls around the world.

I think as quick as society gives welfare and Medicaid to unwed teen mothers in need, we need to consider giving assistance for abortion fees. Why would these poor girls, who obviously have no strong moral or emotional background, want to give up their unborn child when it is so easy for them to get pregnant and have a child. Why would they want to give up a child when they get a check every month as well as free medical -which is more than they probably got before irresponsibly getting pregnant. Instead of offering so much assistance for children having children our government should offer more assistance for abortion and help with procedures to give up their child for adoption.

Leria -are you nutz?!?! How about instead of federally mandated birth control, for females starting the age of 7 and up, we try to raise our children with enough emotional well being and common sense. They they may not feel the need to have sex (get attention they are not receiving at home) from any random Joe or Jane smith off the street. I am not sure what the 7 yr olds around you do BUT the 7 yr olds around me want to play with dolls, read books and watch tv. If there is a child out there that is "feeling the urge to breed" a responsible parent should step in and PARENT the child. If you kid felt like jumping off of the roof would you nurture that? Maybe require padded drive ways.

How did u fell wen u found out u were pregnant?? it i found out i was pregnant i would scream how old were u wen u fell pregnant wat i mean is wen did u no u were pregnant?? all my love Emilee Masonxx

How did u feel wen u were pregnant?????????? it must have been shoking news 4 u. all my love Emilee Masonxxxxxxxxxx

Ocean56 wrote:

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Considering that it is militant religionists who continue to spout nonsense like "birth control and abortion is a sin," THEY are the ones contributing more to teen pregnancy than atheists.
Of course, religionists of all faiths can spew whatever nonsense concerning sex and reproduction they want. It doesn't mean women HAVE to listen to any of it. I stopped listening to it over 20 years ago, and have made my own choices about sex and reproduction ever since. And I never got stuck with an unwanted pregnancy or had an abortion either. Go figure.
Ocean
IMAGINARY gods have NO jurisdiction
http://www.fija.org

Well, considering when the "religionists" views were widely held as common beliefs there was very little teen pregnancy. Teen pregnancy made sudden increases once atheists were given credance and even more so once the government started giving handouts to people who have acted irresponsibly with their "reproductive rights". I really don't see your point as having any validity.
So, YOU "go figure".

Fed Up in NM wrote:

<quoted text>So, when your 10 year old daughter comes home pregnant you are going to be all happy? Were you ten when you had kids? If so, then you would be fine with being a grandparent before you are legally old enough to buy your own beer? Sad.
<quoted text>So, pay young girls to get pregnant before they are old enough to get a job and support the baby? Use tax money to fund the 'babies having babies' program? You must be a life-long member of the welfare club.
<quoted text>So, don't teach children about the ups and downs of sex. Just give them birth control and let them go at each other like rabbits. Regardless of what the family may want, just put all the girls on the pill. Will this also be funded by tax dollars? What about STD's? Treatment for those funded by taxes? What about the adverse effects of being on BCP for too long? Let the girls get sick and die? Pay for their treatment and funerals with tax money?
I seriously hope you were being sarcastic. If you were, great. But if you seriously think it is 'cute' and 'normal' for girls as young as 10 to get pregnant and if you seriously think we need to pay these girls just to get pregnant, then you are sick. I want better for my daughters and for all girls around the world.

Biologically normal is not the same as fiscal and mental capacity. Yoru idea of federally mandated birth control and a stipend...PA-LEEZE. You have to be kidding, right? If you want an example of what happens to societies with rampant teen pregnancy as the status quo, just check out any of the third world countries around the globe. You really should try harder to think before you post your nonsense, dude.

Concerned Citizen wrote:

I think as quick as society gives welfare and Medicaid to unwed teen mothers in need, we need to consider giving assistance for abortion fees. Why would these poor girls, who obviously have no strong moral or emotional background, want to give up their unborn child when it is so easy for them to get pregnant and have a child. Why would they want to give up a child when they get a check every month as well as free medical -which is more than they probably got before irresponsibly getting pregnant. Instead of offering so much assistance for children having children our government should offer more assistance for abortion and help with procedures to give up their child for adoption.

I would rather pay for a child to exists and exercize it's right to existance than to have my tax dollars used to support the abortion industry. If you want to support the abortion docs, I'm sure they would be willing to take your check. Maybe you cold hold a bake sale...better yet, how about a telethon? Jerry lewis holds his on Labor day so you'll have to pick some other holiday, Mother's day, perhaps?

Judas wrote:

Knit, when the fetus can live outside the mother, then it is more than a potential. Until that, it relies on the mother for survival. Without medical support, a fetus isn't going to be able to survive on its own until maybe 32-33 weeks.

You have not only bit on the pro-choice hook, you have swallowed the hook. If the baby inside it's mother's womb is not snuffed out, then the chances are that it will survive 70 plus years. Abortions is an industry that kills 1.3 million American children a year and with the consent of the children's mothers.